7 Feng Shui Tips to Improve Your Love Life

A better sex life, a deeper connection, more time together — it all can be yours! Follow these tips from feng shui expert Ellen Whitehurst to improve every aspect of your love life — and then watch all your romantic dreams come true.

GRAB A RED PEN. According to feng shui, the stronger and clearer you are in stating what you'd like to see happen in your life, the easier it is for the universe to send you your heart's desire. In red ink and on white paper, write a list of all the qualities you think your ideal mate might possess. Is he a smart and savvy world traveler? Or is he a homebody who loves to spend quiet evenings watching movies on the couch? Once he looks good on paper, place your list and an image of two peonies inside a small silver box, and place the box in the relationship area (see bagua map) of your bedroom for 49 days. Your love life will bloom and grow faster than you can say "I do!"

If you want to have a baby:

GET THEE TO THE BEDROOM. These conception cures lend themselves to the pitter-patter of little feet! Make space for your baby by clearing clutter from underneath the bed. Since Eastern cultures believe that the soul of your baby circles your bed in efforts to get to you, don't sweep or vacuum under the bed while you're trying to conceive, lest you disturb that small, swirling soul. And forget about the stork: Elephants are the wish-granting animal in feng shui. Place a pair of wooden elephants on either side of your bedroom door as if they were walking into the room; they'll make your wish walk through that same door. Lastly, place something childlike, such as a picture of children or a stuffed animal, in the children area (see bagua map) of your bedroom to attract energies supportive of conception and birth. By activating these cures, you'll be sure to welcome your wee one home in no time (or about nine months!).

If you want to improve communication:

GET CRYSTAL CLEAR. If men hail from Mars and women from Venus, it's no wonder our conversations can get crossed. Feng shui says that harmonious relationships are successfully sustained only as a direct result of crystal-clear communication between partners. Fill a small bowl with uncooked rice and then top it with a shake of sea salt; salt and rice are considered the ultimate negative energy absorbers. Place three clear crystals atop the salt so that they form a triangle, and then place the bowl under your bed for nine to 49 days. It'll awaken positive relationship energies and agreeable and open communication.

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If you want to make your sex life sexier:

CREATE SOME STEAM. You want heat, right? Use red — the color associated with fire — all around your bedroom to heat things up. Hanging red curtains or drapes can pull aside any stagnant or stale energy that might be keeping a lid on your love life, and placing red sheets on your bed is a quick catalyst for some pretty sizzling sex. Then try this sexy feng shui cure to conjure some seductive and sweaty nights: Diffuse two drops of ylang-ylang essential oil in a bowl of steaming water, then rub a drop or two of the oil into your neck or drip the oil onto your pillowcase. It'll guarantee that the bowl of steaming water won't be the only thing causing your mirrors to fog!

If you want to mend a rocky relationship:

TAKE A MOMENT TO REFLECT. This cure can help restore your relationship to a peaceful and loving state. Find a photo of yourself where you are smiling and alone, and stick the picture to the back of a small, rectangular mirror. Next, stick a photo of your partner on the back of a matching mirror. Take two more mirrors (I swear, you'll only need four) and stick them together, back to back, so the reflective sides are facing outward. Then take your two picture mirrors and place them on either side of the middle mirrors so that two are facing each other. The mirrors in the middle are said to act as mediators while also enabling everyone to see both sides. Then, wind red ribbon around the mirrors 99 times and place the package between your mattress and box spring at the space where your heart lies. After the seventh day, call, text, or e-mail the person with whom you'd like to reunite. Rest assured, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the warm and welcoming reception you receive.

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If you want to heal a broken heart:

FOLLOW YOUR NOSE. Orange essential oils are considered an antidepressant and an effective treatment for emotional angst. The oil is used to bring peace and calm to an emotional situation while inviting serenity and harmony. Sounds like just what the aromatherapist ordered! Add 10 drops of orange essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water, and spray around your space each morning. You'll start your day with a big dose of vitamin "See, I'm feeling better already!" Ancient philosophies extol the virtues of using the skins of oranges to help peel away your problems. Place the peels from nine oranges, plus two cups of Epsom salts, into a bath and soak for 20 minutes. You'll find enthusiasm, optimism, and hope getting under your skin again. Gives new meaning to the words orange zest!

If you want to make more time for each other:

LET LAMPS LIGHT THE WAY. We've all heard the saying, "Time flies when you're having fun," but what we know all too well is that it still flies even when you're not. I know it sounds clichéd, but it really does help to coordinate schedules in order to keep critical communications flowing. Feng shui says that if you are having a hard time carving out time for each other, try this cure: Place lamps on each side of the bed to shift energy so the two of you can spend more time making beautiful music together. Each partner should switch their lamp off, in unison, for 27 nights straight to light up harmony, balance, and togetherness. If you find that it's impossible to formulate this sleep schedule plan, then at least agree to say "good night" at the same time each night as a reminder that relationships need to be nurtured and nourished every day.

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